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The impact of relaxed visa regulations on changes in playing style and salaries of domestic dominant NBA players
No full textIn this thesis I examine how relaxed US immigration regulations in 1990 influenced salaries and playing styles of male professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The supply shock coincided with the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona that were also a catalyst for the popularity of basketball. I focus on tall players, traditionally known as `Big Men' who have been crucial for success. Using panel data from NBA players between 1985 and 2000, I use econometric methods, including dynamic Difference-in-Differences (DiD) analyses with fixed effects, to measure the impacts of increased international competition on US `Big Men'. I show that the reform significantly boosted the participation of international `Big Men' in the NBA, intensifying competitive pressure in the league. Consequently, domestic `Big Men' faced reduced salaries and adapted their playing style towards greater versatility, adopting behaviors such as increased assists per minute rather than traditional tasks, where height is essential. The findings demonstrate a convergence of US and international playing styles, signaling a modernization of strategic approaches in the NBA. Generally, I provide evidence that immigration policies can reshape labor markets, altering salary structures and prompting skill adjustments among domestic workers, a conclusion relevant beyond professional sports.Author Simon Affenzeller, BScMasterarbeit Johannes Kepler Universität Linz 202
Distillation for efficient history compression in reinforcement learning
No full textBy leveraging natural language's inherent capacity for abstraction and compression, Semantic History Compression via Language Models (SHELM) achieves state-of-the-art performance for reinforcement learning agents in partially observable environments. SHELM uses a language-based memory module, typically a pretrained language model like TransformerXL, to create an efficient and meaningful representation of an agent's observation history. While powerful, this approach incurs substantial computational costs. The high inference latency and large memory footprint of these models limit practical deployment on resource-constrained platforms, such as robotics systems or other edge devices. This thesis explores knowledge distillation as a strategy to reduce this overhead by training lightweight Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks to replicate the memory representations of the TransformerXL model. We evaluate 1- and 2-layer LSTM-based student models distilled from a TransformerXL on two benchmarks: MiniGrid-Memory and the PsychLab Continuous Recognition task. The distilled agents achieve up to 95% parameter reduction in the memory module and improved runtime efficiency. On MiniGrid-Memory, 1-layer LSTMs maintain competitive performance with the original and pruned baselines. On the more challenging PsychLab task, 2-layer LSTMs are required to reach reasonable performance, though their final reward is slightly lower than that of the full TransformerXL. These results demonstrate that memory distillation into LSTMs can produce substantially more efficient SHELM variants, achieving a favorable performance-efficiency trade-off, particularly in less complex environments.Author Michael List, BScMasterarbeit Johannes Kepler Universität Linz 202
Untersuchungen zur Unterdrückung selbsterregter Schwingungen in spanenden Fertigungsprozessen
No full textIm Rahmen dieser Arbeit werden zwei Selbsterregungsmechanismen in spanenden Fertigungsprozessen untersucht. Dabei handelt es sich um Selbsterregung durch abfallende Schnittkraftcharakteristik und dem regenerativen Rattern beim Drehen. Beide Mechanismen werden hinsichtlich ihres dynamischen Verhaltens untersucht und durch gezielt eingebrachte energieneutrale Kraftstöße beeinflusst. Durch die Kraftimpulse wird ein modaler Energietransfer eingeleitet, der dazu führt, dass Energie in höheren Schwingungsmoden, aufgrund der effizienter ausgenutzten Strukturdämpfung, schneller dissipiert. Übersteigt die dissipierte Energie den durch Selbsterregung induzierten Energieeintrag, stellt sich ein stabiler Systemzustand ein.The following thesis investigates two self-excitation mechanisms: self-excitation due to a decreasing cutting force characteristic and regenerative chatter in turning processes. Both mechanisms are examined with respect to their dynamic behavior and influenced through the targeted application of force impulses. These impulses initiate a modal energy transfer, causing energy to dissipate more rapidly in higher vibration modes due to the more effective utilization of structural damping. If the dissipated energy exceeds the energy input induced by self-excitation, a stable system state can be achieved.eingereicht von Bernhard Miejski, BScMasterarbeit Johannes Kepler Universität Linz 202
Diskriminierung am Arbeitsplatz : der Gender Pay Gap und die EU-Richtlinie zur Lohntransparenz
No full textEingereicht von Selina HuberDiplomarbeit Johannes Kepler Universität Linz 202
Spectrochimica Acta Part B: Atomic Spectroscopy / Quantification of ZnSO4 in aqueous solution by liquid-solid matrix transfer and double-pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
No full textVenture Capital / Gender bias and discrimination towards women entrepreneurs by venture capitalists – a randomized response survey
No full textActuators / A Novel Double-Sided Electromagnetic Dog Clutch with an Integrated Synchronizer Function
No full textDog clutches are superior to synchromesh units due to much less wear caused by friction but require an external torque source to synchronize the rotation speeds. The current trend in e-mobility to use the driving motor of an electric vehicle as this source just creates another problem, which is known as torque holes. In this work, we propose a novel double-sided dog clutch that synchronizes the speeds electromagnetically by itself avoiding mechanical contact between the parts. A shift sleeve, two coils placed coaxially in their stators, and two complementary rings form an electromagnetic reluctance actuator, which is integrated inside the gearbox between two gearwheels and represents the double-sided clutch. Thus, intermediate parts between the shift sleeve and the actuator are not required. Both actuator sides can produce axial force and electromagnetic torque. However, torques and forces are generated simultaneously on both sides. Therefore, a special control algorithm is developed to keep the resulting axial force approximately equal to zero while the torque is generated in the neutral gear position. After the synchronization, the axial force is applied on the corresponding side to shift the required gear engaging the shift sleeve teeth directly with the slots of the complementary ring mounted on the gearwheel. So, an axial contact of the teeth at an unaligned state, which can lead to unsuccessful shifting, is avoided. A testrig, which includes a clutch prototype and a testing two-speed gearbox, has been designed and built. The developed theoretical ideas have been verified during the experiments under different conditions. The experiments confirm that the actuator can reduce positive and negative speed differences on both sides and subsequently shift the gear without a shift sleeve collision at misaligned angular positions
Leitfähige Lignin-basierte Biokomposite für bioelektronische Anwendungen
No full textBioelectronics have emerged as a vital research field at the intersection of biology and electronics, offering innovative solutions for health monitoring, neural interfaces, drug delivery systems, and more. In the context of climate change and rapid technological advancement, there is a growing demand for environmentally sustainable, biodegradable, and biocompatible materials. Hence, a clear shift is underway from conventional, often expensive and toxic electronic materials toward greener and more sustainable alternatives. This thesis presents the development and optimization of lignin-based conductive biocomposites for bioelectronic applications. By integrating poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) with lignosulfonate - a renewable and biocompatible wood-derived polymer - PEDOT:Lignosulfonate (PEDOT:LigS) biocomposites were synthesized via oxidative chemical polymerization using various oxidants. The effect of key parameters, such as concentration, monomer-to-dopant ratio, and oxidant type, on the electronic properties of the material was systematically investigated. Comprehensive material characterization revealed a promising electrical conductivity of the synthesized material. To assess their applicability in organic bioelectronics, the biocomposites were employed as conductive channel materials in organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs). The fabricated devices exhibited the characteristic mixed ionic-electronic conductivity and distinct transconductance behaviour. These findings highlight the potential of PEDOT:LigS biocomposite as a sustainable and functional alternative to conventional conductive polymers in next-generation bioelectronic technologies.Die Bioelektronik hat sich zu einem wichtigen Forschungsfeld an der Schnittstelle von Biologie und Elektronik entwickelt und bietet innovative Lösungen für Gesundheitsüberwachung, neuronale Schnittstellen, Arzneimittelverabreichungssysteme und vieles mehr. Angesichts des Klimawandels und des rasanten technologischen Fortschritts steigt die Nachfrage nach umweltverträglichen, biologisch abbaubaren und biokompatiblen Materialien. Daher vollzieht sich ein deutlicher Wandel weg von konventionellen, oft teuren und toxischen Elektronikmaterialien hin zu umweltfreundlicheren und nachhaltigeren Alternativen. Diese Arbeit präsentiert die Entwicklung und Optimierung ligninbasierter leitfähiger Biokomposite für bioelektronische Anwendungen. Durch die Integration von Poly(3,4 ethylendioxythiophen) (PEDOT) mit Lignosulfonat – einem erneuerbaren und biokompatiblen Polymer aus Holz – wurden PEDOT:Lignosulfonat-Biokomposite (PEDOT:LigS) mittels oxidativer chemischer Polymerisation unter Verwendung verschiedener Oxidationsmittel synthetisiert. Der Einfluss wichtiger Parameter wie Konzentration, Monomer-Dotierstoff Verhältnis und Oxidationsmitteltyp auf die elektronischen Eigenschaften des Materials wurde systematisch untersucht. Eine umfassende Materialcharakterisierung ergab eine vielversprechende elektrische Leitfähigkeit des synthetisierten Materials. Um ihre Anwendbarkeit in der organischen Bioelektronik zu bewerten, wurden die Biokomposite als leitfähige Kanalmaterialien in organischen elektrochemischen Transistoren (OECTs) eingesetzt. Die hergestellten Bauelemente zeigten die charakteristische gemischte ionisch-elektronische Leitfähigkeit und ein ausgeprägtes Transkonduktanzverhalten. Diese Ergebnisse unterstreichen das Potenzial des PEDOT:LigS-Biokomposits als nachhaltige und funktionale Alternative zu herkömmlichen leitfähigen Polymeren in bioelektronischen Technologien der nächsten Generation.Author Tobias GrabnerAbweichender Titel laut Übersetzung der Verfasserin/des VerfassersMasterarbeit Johannes Kepler Universität Linz 202
Inflation - an analysis of individual financial strains and government relief measures in Austria
No full textThis thesis investigates the impact of high inflation during the recent inflation crisis, focusing on which socio-economic groups were most affected based on their individual inflation rates and subjective financial well-being. Using data from February 2022 to February 2023, the analysis shows that lower-income households experienced higher individual inflation rates than higher-income groups, with a gap of approximately three percentage points. While this difference may seem moderate, it places a disproportionately high burden on financially vulnerable households.
In addition to objective inflation rates, subjective perceptions of financial well-being declined across all income groups, with the most significant deterioration observed in middle-income households. Material and social deprivation also increased, especially in the first- and second-income quintiles.
The effectiveness of governmental relief measures was also examined. Results indicate that middle- and higher-income groups primarily benefited from tax adjustments, while lower-income households profited more from the valorisation of social transfers. The electricity price cap provided more equitable relief in relative terms for low-income groups. Overall, while the financial relief was strongest for the lowest income deciles, it did not fully compensate for the disproportionate burden they carried.
The findings of this study demonstrate that inflation has not only economic but also far- reaching social consequences. In particular, they highlight the importance of a differentiated and thorough analysis of the inflation impact on various population groups. Only through a precise understanding of individual burdens can governments develop targeted and effective measures that cost-efficiently support the households most affected by inflation.Author Bernhard Söberl, BScMasterarbeit Johannes Kepler Universität Linz 2025Arbeit auf den öffentlichen PCs in den Bibliotheken der JKU+Medizin abrufba
